Retrospective case series of 13 patients who underwent patellar tendon reconstruction after TKA using knitted monofilament polypropylene (Marlex) mesh — the first reported description of this technique. The study evaluates functional outcomes, failure patterns, and cost compared to allograft reconstruction at a mean follow-up of 42 months.
When facing patellar tendon disruption after TKA — especially in a patient who has failed prior allograft reconstruction — synthetic polypropylene mesh offers a dramatically cheaper alternative (~10–36× cost reduction) with acceptable functional outcomes, but counsel patients with diabetes mellitus and prior failed reconstruction that they face meaningfully higher failure risk.
Retrospective case series of 13 patients who underwent patellar tendon reconstruction after TKA using knitted monofilament polypropylene (Marlex) mesh — the first reported description of this technique. The study evaluates functional outcomes, failure patterns, and cost compared to allograft reconstruction at a mean follow-up of 42 months.
When facing patellar tendon disruption after TKA — especially in a patient who has failed prior allograft reconstruction — synthetic polypropylene mesh offers a dramatically cheaper alternative (~10–36× cost reduction) with acceptable functional outcomes, but counsel patients with diabetes mellitus and prior failed reconstruction that they face meaningfully higher failure risk.